10 Questions With... Ray Rice

Ray Rice has a purpose in the NFL: picking up tons of yards and helping the Ravens make another deep playoff run.

But Rice has goals off the field too. One of the biggest ones: putting a stop to bullying.

“Everyone is affected by bullying," Rice says. "It can damage, change or even end a life and there is no excuse for it – ever. I want to encourage kids to be leaders, not followers, and to reach out to someone who may need a friend. It’s so important to be kind to one another, and I will do my part to say that loud and often.”

Ray is already off to a fast start this season. See if he can keep the momentum going when he takes on SI Kids' 10 Questions! Read on to see his answers...

What time is your alarm set for?
6:30 AM

Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry ice cream?
Vanilla.

What was your childhood nickname?
Bruce, but I don’t know why! [laughs].

If you weren’t an athlete, what would you want to do?
I would try and go into acting. I tend to make people laugh.

Why do you wear number 27?
My cousin wore number five, and once I realized that I couldn’t get number five in the league, I tried to do some mathematical arrangement. So 27, you do seven minus two, you get five. I wore number five in high school as well, so I try to get back to five.

Besides Baltimore, what is your favorite city to compete in?
My hometown, New Rochelle. I like to go up there and still keep it real.

What do you do on days off?
Play Xbox, get a massage, take care of my body. Do the family thing.

Who is the greatest athlete of all-time?
Michael Jordan.

Who is your best friend in sports?
Ray Lewis.

What is the last item that you purchased?
I bought my brother a laptop.